OTTAWA – City council is taking a wait-and-see approach to the Cumberland Ward councillor vacancy the politicians decided at today’s council meeting (April 22).

City council deferred filling the councillor vacancy in Cumberland Ward. While the Municipal Act requires Council to decide by Sunday, May 24 to appoint a replacement or pass a by-law to hold a by-election, staff believe the provincial state of emergency due to COVID-19 allows council to defer the decision until the emergency ends.

Council would prefer to have a by-election then appoint the position.

Staff will bring a report back to council no later than 30 days after the provincial emergency order is lifted.